Hanger rod construction and assembly

ABSTRACT

Hanger rod construction and assemblies including a cylindrical rod with longitudinally extending undercut slots formed in its outer surface and mounting brackets and hanger devices for mounting in said slots, together with an internal bore formed in the rod and end pieces and mounting brackets for mounting in said bore.

United States Patent ilitn 1 Jnn.25,w72

[54] HANGER ROD CONSTRUCTHUN AND ASSEMBLY [72] Inventor: Mark O. Uitz,Mountain View, Calif.

[73] Assignee: 1F.,].L. Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif.

[22] Filed: May 8, 1969 [21] Appl. No.: 822,956

[52] US. Cl. ..2l l/l05.l, 16/94 D, 248/225 [51] Int. C1 ..A4l7f 5/08,A47h 1/02 [58] Field ofSearch ..211/l05.1, 123, 1053-1056; 248/251, 261,225, 264, 262, 273; 16/94 D, 94, 93;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Franz ..211/71 354,30312/1886 Case i ..40/68 UX 2,512,203 6/1950 Fluharty ..211/123 2,727,27212/1955 Hankin et al. ...248/225 X 3,220,125 11/1965 Wende v ..40/l6.2

Primary Examiner-Ramon S, Brit'ts Attorney-Flehr, Hohbach, Test,Albritton & Herbert s71 Ansrmor Hanger rod construction and assembliesincluding a cylindrical rod with longitudinally extending undercut slotsformed in its outer surface and mounting brackets and hanger devices formounting in said slots, together with an internal bore formed in the rodand end pieces and mounting brackets for mounting in said bore.

20 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENIEB .umzswz 306379084 saw 2 OF 3INVENTOR.

Mark 0. Uifz BY Maw PMENIEU m2 5 m2 SHEET 38F 3 HANGER ROD CONSTRUCTIONAND ASSEMBLY SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The present inventionprovides a hanger rod construction and a plurality of hanger rodassemblies utilizing the hanger rod construction and having a generallysimilar appearance. The rod construction includes an elongatecylindrical member having a plurality of longitudinally extending slotsin which mounting brackets and various hanger devices can be mounted.The elongate member can also include an internal bore which accommodatesend pieces and additional mounting brackets. Spacer members are providedfor mounting in slots which are not otherwise occupied by mountingbrackets or hanger devices to provide a pleasing overall appearance.

It is in general an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved hanger rod construction which can be used in a variety ofhanger rod assemblies having the same general appearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved hangerrod assembly including a plurality of removably mounted hooks of thetype particularly suitable for hanging clothes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly ofthe above character which is particularly suitable for towels andwashcloths.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hanger rod assembly ofthe above character which is suitable for receiving coat hangers.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a hanger rodassembly of the above character which is particularly suitable forcurtains, such as window curtains and shower curtains.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a hanger rodassembly of the above character which is particularly adapted forholding rolls of toilet paper.

Additional objects and features of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description in which the preferred embodiments of thehanger rod construction and assemblies are set forth in detail inconjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an end view of oneembodiment of a hanger rod incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a multihook hanger rodassembly incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one end of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, withthe end piece removed to more clearly illustrate its construction.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the end piece shown in FIG. 3,looking along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and3, taken along line 55 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the end portion of the embodimentshown in the preceding figures, looking along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger rod assemblyincluding a lower hanger bar incorporating the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a portion of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 7, showing the lower hanger bar in greater detail.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, lookingalong line 99 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hanger rod assemblyincorporating the present invention and illustrating its use withcurtains and coat hangers.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of one embodiment of a curtain fastenerbutton suitable for use in the assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view of the curtain fastener buttonershown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of a hanger bracketsuitable for use with coat hangers in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13,looking along line 14-14 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13,taken along line 15-15 in FIG. I3.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a mountingbracket which is suitable for use in mounting the embodiment shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a hanger rod assembly incorporating thepresent invention which is particularly suitable for rolls of toiletpaper.

FIG. 18 is an elevational view of one embodiment of an end pieceparticularly suitable for the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hanger assemblyincorporating the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the preferred embodiments,the hanger rod construction as shown most clearly in FIG. 1, includes anelongate member 21 having a generally cylindrical outer surface 22. Thisouter surface is formed to include a plurality of peripherally spacedundercut or dovetailed slots 23 which extend longitudinally of theelongate member 21.

The undercut slots 23 open outwardly, that is in a direction radiallyoutward from the axis of the elongate member 21. Each of the slots isdefined by a bottom wall or surface 24 and inclined sidewalls orsurfaces 26 which generally face each other and overlie the bottom wallor surface. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom wall or surface 24includes a planar central portion 27 and arcuate side portions 28 whichjoin the central portion to the sidewalls 26. The central portion 27 istangentially oriented with respect to the axis of the elongate member21, and the side portions 28 are defined by circular arcs centered aboutthe axis of the elongate member. The sidewalls 26 are planar surfaceswhich extend outward from the bottom surface 24 and which areconvergently inclined with respect to each other. Thus, each slot iswider near its bottom surface 24 than at the opening defined by theouter extremities of the inclined sidewalls 26.

The outer surface 22 of the elongate member 21 also includes a pluralityof concave portions 29. These concave portions are located intermediatethe undercut slots 23 and extend longitudinally of the elongate member21.

In the preferred embodiments, the elongate member 21 is formed with acircular, centrally disposed internal axially extending bore 31 definedby a wall 32. This bore extends throughout the length of the elongatemember 21 and opens through the ends 33 of the elongate member.Alternatively, the elongate member can be formed as a solid member, oras a solid member with blind bores provided in one or both of its ends33.

As will be apparent to those familiar with the art, the contour of thepreferred embodiment of the rod member 21 is such that the rod member isconveniently formed of aluminum by a conventional extrusion process.Other materials and/or manufacturing processes can be employed ifdesired.

The undercut slots 23 are adapted for receiving mounting brackets and avariety of hanger devices hereinafter described. Likewise, the internalbore 31 is adapted for receiving mounting brackets and end pieces, alsodescribed hereinafter.

A preferred embodiment of a mounting bracket of the type for removablemounting in the undercut slots of the elongate member is most clearlyillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. This mounting bracket, designatedgenerally by reference numeral 36, includes a tapered foot portion 37and a base portion 38. The foot portion 37 is adapted for slidablymounting in slots 23 and includes inclined upper and lower surfaces 39.These surfaces are adapted for engaging the sidewalls 26 of the undercutslots 23 when the foot portion 37 is inserted in the slots. The baseportion 38 provides means for attaching the mounting brackets to a fixedbody, not shown. This means includes a dovetail mortise 41 formed in thebase portion 38 and a dovetail tenon block 42 which is secured to thefixed body by means of fiathead screws 43. The mortise 41 and tenonblock 42 extend the full width of the base portion 38 to permit themounting bracket 36 to be slid over the tenon block after the latter hasbeen affixed to the mounting surface. The mounting bracket can be heldin place on the tenon block by means of a set screw 44. Thus, thispreferred mounting bracket is removably mounted to the tenon block, aswell as to the elongate member.

A plurality of different hanger means is provided for mounting in theundercut slots 23. These hanger means include hooks 46, a lower hangerbar assembly 47, coat hanger brackets 48, and curtain fastener buttons49.

Hooks 46 include upper hook members 51 and lower hook members 52 whichare most clearly illustrated in FIGS. and 6. These hook members areadapted for removable mounting in the undercut slots 23 of the elongatemember 21.

The upper hook member 51 is particularly suitable for mounting in a slot23 which opens in a horizontal direction. This hook member includes anupwardly extending prong portion 53 and a tapered foot portion 54. Thefoot portion is pro vided with inclined surfaces 56 which are adaptedfor engaging the sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots.

The lower hook member 52 is particularly suitable for mounting in a slotwhich opens vertically downward. This member includes a hooked prongportion having an upwardly extending outer portion 57 and a base portion58. The base portion is provided with inclined surfaces 59 which areadapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the undercut slots.

The lower hangar bar assembly 47, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, includes anelongate bar member 61 which is suspended below and parallel to theelongate member 21 by means of a support bracket 62. The bar member 61has an outer contour generally similar to that of the elongate member,including a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinallyextending concave portions 63. In the preferred embodiment, the barmember 61 is formed to include an internal bore 64 which is adapted forreceiving end pieces 66 in a manner hereinafter described. While onlyone end piece is shown in the drawing, it is to be understood that suchend pieces can be provided at both ends of the bar member 61 if desired.

The bar member 61 is secured to the support bracket 62 by being fittedinto a bore hole 67 which is provided in the support bracket. Thesupport bracket also includes a tapered foot portion 68 adapted formounting in the undercut slots 23. The foot portion is provided withinclined surfaces 69 adapted for slidably engaging the inclinedsidewalls 26 of the slots to permit the lower hanger bar assembly to bemoved longitudinally of the elongate member.

The coat hanger brackets 48 are most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 13-15.These brackets include tapered foot portions 71 adapted for removablemounting in the undercut slots 23, particularly a slot which opensvertically downward. The foot portions of the brackets are provided withinclined surfaces 72 adapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 ofthe slots. The brackets 48 also include lower portions 73 in whichopenings 74 are formed. These openings are adapted for receiving thehook portions of conventional coat hangers, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The curtain fastener buttons 49 include inner and outer section members76 and 77, respectively, between which a curtain 78 can be clamped. Theinner section member 76 is formed to include a conically tapered footportion 79 which is adapted for slidable mounting in the undercut slots23 of the elongate member 21. A protruding male member 81 adapted forpassing through an opening 82 in the curtain 78 and frictionallyengaging a female socket 83 formed in the inner section member 76. Inthe preferred embodiment, the male member 81 comprises an annular ringfabricated of a resilient material and cut into a plurality of arcuatesections. Alternatively, the male member 81 and the female socket 83 canbe provided with cooperating threads for holding the two section memberstogether.

Retainer means is provided for holding each of the hanger means, exceptthe curtain fastener buttons, in a fixed position in the undercut slots23.

One embodiment of the retainer means, shown most clearly in FIG. 15,comprises an L-shaped resilient member 86 disposed in slots 87 and 88formed in the hanger means. This resilient member is adapted forengaging the bottom surface 24 of the undercut slots and urging theinclined surfaces of the foot portions of the hanger means against theinclined sidewalls 26 of the slots.

Alternatively, the retaining means can comprise set screws 89, as shownin FIGS. 5 and 6. These set screws are threadably mounted in the hangermeans and engage the bottom surface 24 of the undercut slots, therebyproviding means for urging the tapered surfaces of the hook meansagainst the inclined slot walls.

Spacer members 91 are also provided for mounting in the undercut slots23. These spacer members are formed to include inclined sidewalls 92which are adapted for engaging the inclined sidewalls 26 of the undercutslots. The spacer members also include a curved outer surface 93 whichconforms generally to the cylindrical surface 22 of the elongate member21 to provide a pleasing appearance. The inner surface 94 of the spacermembers is adapted for engaging the bottom surface 24 of the slots.

End pieces 96 are provided for mounting in the internal bore 31 of theelongate member 21. These end pieces, as illustrated most clearly inFIGS. 3 and 4, comprise plug portions 97 adapted for extending into theinternal bore of the elongate member and cap portions 98 adapted foroverlying the ends 33 of the elongate member. The plug portion 97 can befabricated of a resilient material and is formed to include a pluralityof arcuate sections 99. These sections are adapted for frictionallyengaging the wall 32 of the elongate member. A raised bead 101 can beprovided on the outer surface of the plug portion 97 for engaging acorresponding recess, not shown, formed in the inner wall 32 of theelongate member to provide a snap fit-of the end piece in the member.The end pieces 66 are similarly mounted in the internal bore 64 of thelower hanger bar 61.

Another preferred type of mounting bracket 102 is illustrated in FIG.16. This bracket is adapted for mounting to the internal bore 31 of theelongate member 21. It includes a base flange 103 and a plug portion104. The base flange is adapted for mounting to a fixed body, not shown,by means of a screw 106. The plug portion 104 is similar to the plugportion 97 of the end pieces 96 and is adapted for frictionally engagingthe wall 32 of the internal bore 31.

An alternate type of and piece 107 is illustrated in FIG. 18. This endpiece is generally similar to the end piece shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 andincludes a plug portion 108 and a cap portion 109. The plug portion 108includes a plurality of arcuate sections for engaging the wall 32 of theelongate members internal bore 31. The cap portion 107 is circular incross section and has a diameter on the order of two times the outerdiameter of the elongate member. Thus, the cap portion 109 is adaptedfor overlying the end 33 of the elongate member and extending radiallybeyond the outer surface of the member.

The various components of the hanger rod construction heretoforedescribed can be combined in a number of ways to provide a plurality ofhanger rod assemblies having the same general appearance.

A single-hook hanger assembly embodying the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 19. This assembly includes a short length of theelongate member 21, with upper and lower hook members 51 and 52,respectively, mounted in two of its undercut slots 23. A mountingbracket 36 is mounted in another slot, and end pieces 96 are mounted inthe internal bore 31.

The foot portions of the hook members and mounting bracket extend theentire length of the short member Jill, and spacer bars M are disposedin any remaining slots.

A multihook hanger rod assembly embodying the present invention is shownin FIG. 2. This assembly includes an elongate member 21 and a pluralityof hooks as spaced longitu dinally of the member. These hooks includeupper and lower hook members El and 52, respectively, which areremovably mounted in the undercut slots 23 of the elongate member. Apair of mounting brackets 36 is mounted in the slots proximate the endsof the elongate member, and two end pieces as are mounted in theinternal bore 31. Spacer members 91 are also mounted in the slotsintermediate the hook members and mounting brackets in all remainingslots.

MG. 7 shows a hanger assembly embodying the present invention which isparticularly suitable for use as a towel rack. This assembly includes anelongate member 2i and a lower hanger bar assembly A7. The lower hangerbar assembly includes a hanger rod bl which is mounted below andparallel to the elongate member. The hanger bar is suspended from theelongate member by means of a support bracket 62 which is slidablymounted in one of the slots in the elongate member. A mounting bracket36 is mounted in another of the slots intermediate the ends of theelongate member, and end pieces 96 are mounted in the internal bore 311.The lower hanger rod assembly 17 is adapted for movement longitudinallyof the clon gate member, and spacer members 911 are provided in theremaining slots. The lower hanger bar is particularly suitable forholding a washcloth. llf desired, the orientation of the lower hangerrod assembly can be reversed, so that when the support bracket 62 is inthe position illustrated, the hanger bar s11 will extend beyond the endof the elongate member. With this alternate orientation, access to thelower rod is provided even when a towel is hung over the elongatemember. Also if desired, the lower assembly can be slid underneath thetowel and hidden from view.

An assembly embodying the present invention which is particularlysuitable for use with coat hangers is shown in FIG. Ml. This assemblyincludes an elongate member ill with a plurality of longitudinallyspaced hanger brackets Ad mounted in a slot which opens verticallydownward. Spacer members hll are mounted intermediate the hangerbrackets and in the remaining slots. This assembly is particularly wellsuited for mounting by means of mounting brackets which engage the wall32 of the internal bore 31, such as the brackets 1102 shown in FIG. to.

FIG. lltl also shows a hanger assembly embodying the present inventionwhich is particularly suitable for hanging curtains, such as windowcurtains or shower curtains. This as- J sembly includes an elongatemember 2t and a plurality of curtain fastener buttons 49 which areslidably mounted in one of the slots 23 of the elongate member. Spacermembers 911 are mounted in the remaining slots, and the curtain fastenerbuttons are adapted for movement longitudinally of the elongate memberto permit opening and closing of the curtains. This assembly is alsoparticularly suitable for mounting by means of internal mountingbrackets of the type shown in FIG. lid.

FlG. 117 shows a hanger assembly embodying the present invention whichis particularly suitable for holding a roll of toilet paper. Thisassembly includes an elongate member 211 with spacer members 91 mountedin each of its slots 23. A mounting bracket 36 is also mounted in one ofthe slots proximate one end 33 of the elongate member. An end piece 96is mounted in the internal bore at the end 353 of the member, and an endpiece 107 is provided at the opposite end 95. A roll of toilet paper ismounted on the assembly by removing the large end piece MW and slidingthe roll over the elongate member. When the large end piece is replaced,the roll of toilet paper is constrained between the mounting bracket 3Mand the cap portion MW of the large end piece.

All of the components of the hanger rod construction and assemblies canbe fabricated of aluminum, and all but the end pieces, end mountingbrackets, and curtain fastener buttons can be formed by a conventionalextrusion process. Other materials and/or other manufacturing processescan be employed if desired. Where aluminum is used, the variouscomponents can easily be anodized different colors to enhance theappearance of the assemblies.

it is apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides anew and improved hanger rod construction and assemblies utilizing theconstruction. While only the preferred embodiments of the constructionand assemblies have been described herein, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the basic components can be combined in otherways and certain modifications and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Iclaim:

l. in a hanger rod construction, a horizontally extending elongatemember having a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface disposed toward theaxis of said elongate member and sidewalls having substantially planarsurfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewallsbeing inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slotis wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by theouter extremities of said sidewalls, said bottom surface including aplanar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis ofsaid elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extendinginwardly of the plane of the central portion from each edge thereof andjoining said central portion to said sidewalls.

2. A hanger rod construction as in claim ll wherein said elongate memberis formed to include a circular internal bore.

3. A hanger rod construction as in claim 1 wherein the outer surface ofsaid elongate member includes longitudinally extending concave portionsintermediate said peripherally spaced undercut slots.

4. A hanger rod construction as in claim ll wherein said elongate memberis a right cylinder.

5. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface ineluding a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bottom surface and sidewalls having substantially planarsurfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said bottomsurface including a planar central portion tangentially oriented withrespect to the axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate sideportions extending inwardly of the plane of the central portion fromeach side thereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls,said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such mannerthat each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the openingdefined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger meansincluding tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots,and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongatemember.

6. In an assembly of the character described, a member having aninternal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surfaceand convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottomsurfaces, an upper hook member and a lower hook member mounted in saidslots, each hook member having an upwardly extending prong portion and atapered foot portion, said foot portion engaging the sidewalls of saidundercut slots and having a width equal to the length of said member, amounting bracket having a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls ofone of said undercut slots, said foot portion having a width equal tothe length of said member, spacer bars mounted in any remaining slots,said spacer bars having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclinedsidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generally conformingto the cylindrical outer surface of said member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said member andengaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the endsof said cylindrical member.

7. in an assembly of the character described, an elongate member havingan internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, a plurality of hooks mounted in said undercut slots andspaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks comprisingupper and lower members having upwardly extending prong portions andtapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said undercut slots,mounting brackets having tapered foot portions mounted in said undercutslots, said tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots,spacer members mounted in said slots intermediate said hook members andsaid mounting brackets and in any remaining slots, said spacer membershaving inclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of said slotsand a curved outer surface generally conforming to the contour of thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindricalmember and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portionsoverlying the ends of said cylindrical member.

8. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member havingan internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, at least one hanger bar below and parallel to saidelongate member, said hanger bar being suspended from said elongatemember by means of a support bracket having a tapered foot portionslidably mounted in one of said slots and adapted for movementlongitudinally of said elongate member, a mounting bracket mounted inone of said undercut slots intermediate the ends of said rod member,said mounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging thesidewalls of said slot, spacer members mounted in said slots, saidspacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewallsof said slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said elongate memberand engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying theends of said rod member.

9. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member havingan internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, a plurality of downwardly extending hanger bracketsmounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinally of said elongatemember, said hanger brackets including tapered foot portions engagingthe sidewalls of said slot and hanger portions adapted for engaging thehook portions of coat hangers, spacer members mounted in said slots,said spacer members having inclined sidewalls corresponding to thesidewalls in said slots and a curved outer surface generally conformingto the cylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and mountingbrackets mounted in the internal bore of said elongate member, saidmounting brackets including plug portions extending into said internalbore and engaging the walls thereof.

10. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member havingan internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, a plurality of curtain fastener buttons slidably mountedin one of said slots, said buttons including means for holding curtainsand having conically tapered portions engaging the sidewalls of saidslot, said buttons being adapted for movement longitudinally of said rodmember to permit opening and closing of said curtains, spacer membersmounted in the remaining slots, said spacer members having inclinedsides conforming to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curvedouter surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface ofsaid elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal boreof said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portionsextending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.

11. In an assembly of the character described, an elongate member havingan internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, said elongate member being adapted for passing throughthe tubular core of a roll of toilet paper, a mounting bracket mountedin one of said slots proximate to one end of said elongate member, saidmounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewallsof said slot, spacer bars mounted in said slots, said spacer barsincluding inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls ofsaid slots, and a curved outer surface generally conforming to thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindricalmember and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portionsoverlying the ends of said elongate member, the end piece opposite saidmounting bracket being removably mounted and having its cap portionextending radially outward beyond said rod member to provide means forretaining a roll of toilet paper on said rod member.

12. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hangermeans including tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of saidslots, at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongatemember, and spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer membershaving inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls ofsaid slots and a curved outer surface generally conforming to thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member to provide a pleasingappearance.

13. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that said slot is wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hangermeans removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger meansincluding a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot,retainer means carried by said hanger means and engaging the bottomsurface of said slot for urging said tapered foot portion against theinclined sidewalls of said slot, and at least one mounting bracketremovably engaging said elongate member.

14. A hanger rod assembly as in claim 13 wherein said retainer meansincludes a set screw.

15. A hanger rod assembly as in claim 13 wherein said retainer meansincludes a resilient member.

lo. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface in cluding a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bot tom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewall, aplurality of hooks removably mounted in one of said slots and spacedlongitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks including taperedfoot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least onemounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.

17. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, aplurality of downwardly extending hanger brackets spaced longitudinallyof said elongate member and adapted for engaging the hook portions ofcoat hangers, each of said hanger brackets having a foot portionengaging the sidewalls of one of said slots, and at least one mountingbracket removably engaging said elongate member.

18. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surfaceincluding a plurality of peripherally spacedapart undercut slotsextending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, eachof said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewallsextending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls beinginclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot iswider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outerextremities of said sidewalls, hanger means ill removably mounted in atleast one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered footportions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at least one mountingbracket including means extending into the internal bore of saidelongate member and engaging the' walls thereof.

l9. In a hanger rod assembly a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surfaceincluding a plurality of peripherally spacedapart undercut slotsextending substantially the entire length of said elongate member, eachof said undercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewallsextending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls beinginclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slot iswider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by the outerextremities of said sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in atleast one of said slots, said hanger means including tapered footportions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, at least one mountingbracket removably engaging said elongate member, and an end piece havinga plug portion extending into said internal bore and engaging the wallsthereof and a cap portion overlying one end of said elongate member.

20. in a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate memberhaving a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bot tom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that each slot is: wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, adownwardly extending support bracket having a tapered foot portiondisposed in one of said undercut slots and adapted for movementlongitudinally of said elongate member, a hanger bar carried by saidsupport bracket In a position below and parallel to said elongatemember, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging saidelongate member.

1. In a hanger rod construction, a horizontally extending elongatemember having a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface disposed toward theaxis of said elongate member and sidewalls having substantially planarsurfaces extending outwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewallsbeing inclined with respect to each other in such manner that each slotis wider near its bottom surface than at the opening defined by theouter extremities of said sidewalls, said bottom surface including aplanar central portion tangentially oriented with respect to the axis ofsaid elongate member and convexly arcuate side portions extendinginwardly of the plane of the central portion from each edge thereof andjoining said central portion to said sidewalls.
 2. A hanger rodconstruction as in claim 1 wherein said elongate member is formed toinclude a circular internal bore.
 3. A hanger rod construction as inclaim 1 wherein the outer surface of said elongate member includeslongitudinally extending concave portions intermediate said peripherallyspaced undercut slots.
 4. A hanger rod construction as in claim 1wherein said elongate member is a right cylinder.
 5. In a hanger rodassembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having a generallycylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherallyspaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length ofsaid elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by abottom surface and sidewalls having substantially planar surfacesextending outwardly from said bottom surface, said bottom surfaceincluding a planar central portion tangentially oriented with respect tothe axis of said elongate member and convexly arcuate side portionsextending inwardly of the plane of the central portion from each sidethereof and joining said central portion to said sidewalls, saidsidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner thateach slot is wider near its bottom surface than at the opening definedby the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means includingtapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, and at leastone mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.
 6. In anassembly of the character described, a member having an internal boreand a generally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of saidmember, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surface andconvergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottomsurfaces, an upper hook member and a lower hook member mounted in saidslots, each hook member having an upwardly extending prong portion and atapered foot portion, said foot portion engaging the sidewalls of saidundercut slots and having a width equal to the length of said member, amounting bracket having a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls ofone of said undercut slots, said foot portion having a width equal tothe length of said member, spacer bars mounted in any remaining slots,said spacer bars having inclined side walls corresponding to theinclined sidewalls of said slots and a curved outer surface generallyconforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said member, and endpieces having plug portionsextending into the internal bore of saidmember and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portionsoverlying the ends of said cylindrical member.
 7. In an assembly of thecharacter described, an elongate member having an internal bore and agenerally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of saidelongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surfaceand convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottomsurface, a plurality of hooks mounted in said undercut slots and spacedlongitudinally of said elongate member, said hooks comprising upper andlower members having upwardly extending prong portions and tapered footportions engaging the sidewalls of said undercut slots, mountingbrackets having tapered foot portions mounted in said undercut slots,said tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, spacermembers mounted in said slots intermediate said hook members and saidmounting brackets and in any remaining slots, said spacer members havinginclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of said slots and acurved outer surface generally conforming to the contour of thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindricalmember and engaging the internal walls thereof and cap portionsoverlying the ends of said cylindrical member.
 8. In an assembly of thecharacter described, an elongate member having an internal bore and agenerally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinally of saidelongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottom surfaceand convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from said bottomsurface, at least one hanger bar below and parallel to said elongatemember, said hanger bar being suspended from said elongate member bymeans of a support bracket having a tapered foot portion slidablymounted in one of said slots and adapted for movement longitudinally ofsaid elongate member, a mounting bracket mounted in one of said undercutslots intermediate the ends of said rod member, said mounting bracketincluding a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewalls of said slot,spacer members mounted in said slots, said spacer members havinginclined sidewalls corresponding to the sidewalls of said slots and acurved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outersurface of said elongate member, and end pieces having plug portionsextending into the internal bore of said elongate member and engagingthe internal walls thereof and cap portions overlying the ends of saidrod member.
 9. In an assembly of the character described, an elongatemember having an internal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surfaceincluding a plurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extendinglongitudinally of said elongate member, each of said undercut slotsincluding a bottom surface and convergently inclined sidewalls extendingoutward from said bottom surface, a plurality of downwardly extendinghanger brackets mounted in one of said slots and spaced longitudinallyof said elongate member, said hanger brackets including tapered footportions engaging the sidewalls of said slot and hanger portions adaptedfor engaging the hook portions of coat hangers, spacer members mountedin said slots, said spacer members having inclined side wallscorresponding to the sidewalls in said slots and a curved outer surfacegenerally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface of said elongatemember, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal bore of saidelongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portionsextending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.
 10. Inan assembly of the character described, an elongate member having aninternal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined side walls extending outward from saidbottom surface, a plurality of curtain fastener buttons slidably mountedin one of said slots, said buttons including means for holding curtainsand having conically tapered portions engaging the sidewalls of saidslot, said buttons being adapted for movement longitudinally of said rodmember to permit opening and closing of said curtains, spacer membersmounted in the remaining slots, said spacer members having inclinedsides conforming to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and a curvedouter surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outer surface ofsaid elongate member, and mounting brackets mounted in the internal boreof said elongate member, said mounting brackets including plug portionsextending into said internal bore and engaging the walls thereof.
 11. Inan assembly of the character described, an elongate member having aninternal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced undercut slots extending longitudinallyof said elongate member, each of said undercut slots including a bottomsurface and convergently inclined sidewalls extending outward from saidbottom surface, said elongate member being adapted for passing throughthe tubular core of a roll of toilet paper, a mounting bracket mountedin one of said slots proximate to one end of said elongate member, saidmounting bracket including a tapered foot portion engaging the sidewallsof said slot, spacer bars mounted in said slots, said spacer barsincluding inclined sidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls ofsaid slots, and a curved outer surface generally conforming to thecylindrical outer surface of said elongate member, and end pieces havingplug portions extending into the internal bore of said cylindricalmember and engaging the internal wallsthereof and cap portions overlyingthe ends of said elongate member, the end piece opposite said mountingbracket being removably mounted and having its cap portion extendingradially outward beyond said rod member to provide means for retaining aroll of toilet paper on said rod member.
 12. In a hanger rod assembly, ahorizontally extending elongate member having a generally cylindricalouter surface including a plurality of peripherally spaced-apartundercut slots extending substantially the entire length of saidelongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by a bottomsurface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottom surface, saidsidewalls being inclined with respect to each other in such manner thateach slot is wider near its bottom surfaCe than at the opening definedby the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger means includingtapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, at least onemounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member, and spacermembers mounted in said slots, said spacer members having inclinedsidewalls corresponding to the inclined sidewalls of said slots and acurved outer surface generally conforming to the cylindrical outersurface of said elongate member to provide a pleasing appearance.
 13. Ina hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having agenerally cylindrical outer surface including a plurality ofperipherally spaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially theentire length of said elongate member, each of said undercut slots beingdefined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from saidbottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each otherin such manner that said slot is wider near its bottom surface than atthe opening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hangermeans removably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger meansincluding a tapered foot portion engaging the side walls of said slot,retainer means carried by said hanger means and engaging the bottomsurface of said slot for urging said tapered foot portion against theinclined sidewalls of said slot, and at least one mounting bracketremovably engaging said elongate member.
 14. A hanger rod assembly as inclaim 13 wherein said retainer means includes a set screw.
 15. A hangerrod assembly as in claim 13 wherein said retainer means includes aresilient member.
 16. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extendingelongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extendingoutwardly from said bottom surface, said side walls being inclined withrespect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near itsbottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities ofsaid sidewall, a plurality of hooks removably mounted in one of saidslots and spaced longitudinally of said elongate member, said hooksincluding tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots,and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongatemember.
 17. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongatemember having a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extendingoutwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined withrespect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near itsbottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities ofsaid sidewalls, a plurality of downwardly extending hanger bracketsspaced longitudinally of said elongate member and adapted for engagingthe hook portions of coat hangers, each of said hanger brackets having afoot portion engaging the sidewalls of one of said slots, and at leastone mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member.
 18. In ahanger rod assembly, a horizontally extending elongate member having aninternal bore and a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extendingoutwardly from said bottom surface, said sidewalls being inclined withrespect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near itsbottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities ofsaid sidewalls, hanger means removably mounted in at least one of saidslots, said hanger means including tapered foot portions engaging thesidewalls of said slots, and at least one mounting bracket includingmeans extending into the internal bore of said elongate member andengaging the walls thereof.
 19. In a hanger rod assembly a horizontallyextending elongate member having an internal bore and a generallycylindrical outer surface including a plurality of peripherallyspaced-apart undercut slots extending substantially the entire length ofsaid elongate member, each of said undercut slots being defined by abottom surface and sidewalls extending outwardly from said bottomsurface, said sidewalls being inclined with respect to each other insuch manner that each slot is wider near its bottom surface than at theopening defined by the outer extremities of said sidewalls, hanger meansremovably mounted in at least one of said slots, said hanger meansincluding tapered foot portions engaging the sidewalls of said slots, atleast one mounting bracket removably engaging said elongate member, andan end piece having a plug portion extending into said internal bore andengaging the walls thereof and a cap portion overlying one end of saidelongate member.
 20. In a hanger rod assembly, a horizontally extendingelongate member having a generally cylindrical outer surface including aplurality of peripherally spaced-apart undercut slots extendingsubstantially the entire length of said elongate member, each of saidundercut slots being defined by a bottom surface and sidewalls extendingoutwardly from said bottom surface, said side walls being inclined withrespect to each other in such manner that each slot is wider near itsbottom surface than at the opening defined by the outer extremities ofsaid sidewalls, a downwardly extending support bracket having a taperedfoot portion disposed in one of said undercut slots and adapted formovement longitudinally of said elongate member, a hanger bar carried bysaid support bracket in a position below and parallel to said elongatemember, and at least one mounting bracket removably engaging saidelongate member.